L-citrulline is an amino acid that may be used as an alternative to L-arginine when taken as a supplement. Due to its high-protein levels, it has an arginine content of 14 grams. Loin is one of the leanest cuts of pork, so it’s low in fat too.

In these cases, doctors may prescribe them artificial L-arginine in the form of oral medications, injections, or creams. Several potential health conditions may benefit from an increased intake of L-arginine. For this reason, it may be that your need for L-arginine surpasses the body’s ability to produce or consume its natural doses.

Dosing depends on what you’re intending to treat. For example, higher doses of L-arginine may be helpful for improving ED symptoms and athletic performance, while lower doses may be appropriate for treating other symptoms or medical conditions ( 5, 17). Acevedo, A. M., Montero, M., Rojas-Sanchez, F., Machado, C., Rivera, L. E., Wolff, M., and Kleinberg, I. Clinical evaluation of the ability of CaviStat in a mint confection to inhibit the development of dental caries in children. J Clin.Dent. 2008;19(1):1-8. View abstract.

Daly, J. M., Weintraub, F. N., Shou, J., Rosato, E. F., and Lucia, M. Enteral nutrition during multimodality therapy in upper gastrointestinal cancer patients. Ann.Surg. 1995;221(4):327-338. View abstract. Bushinsky, D. A. and Gennari, F. J. Life-threatening hyperkalemia induced by arginine. Ann.Intern.Med. 1978;89(5 Pt 1):632-634. View abstract. Bear in mind that the rigor of third-party testing varies. The best way to ensure appropriate testing is to look for a label from a certification program like USP, Informed Choice, ConsumerLab, or NSF International.

When to take l-arginine

Battaglia, C., Mancini, F., Battaglia, B., Facchinetti, F., Artini, P. G., and Venturoli, S. L-arginine plus drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol in the treatment of patients with PCOS: a prospective, placebo controlled, randomised, pilot study. Gynecol.Endocrinol. 2010;26(12):861-868. View abstract. This is largely thanks to its relationship to an increase in human growth hormone (the production of which drops off as we age), which helps us recover from workouts, improves strength, and enhances libido and muscle growth. 4 Sometimes just called arginine, it’s one of 20 different amino acids in the body, and a bit of an unsung hero when it comes to health benefits. What is L-arginine?

Now it’s time to look at some of the more technical aspects. Below you’ll find the main arginine benefits summed up. They’re the reasons why this supplement is so incredibly popular The body can make nonessential amino acids naturally but must get essential amino acids through diet ( 3). Herbs and supplements with blood-pressure-lowering effects: coenzyme Q10, cat’s claw, fish oil, Lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, etc. Even though they have a strong safety profile, arginine supplements should be avoided by certain populations. Colagrande, L., Formica, F., Porta, F., Brustia, M., Avalli, L., Sangalli, F., Muratore, M., and Paolini, G. L-arginine effects on myocardial stress in cardiac surgery: preliminary results. Ital Heart J 2005;6(11):904-910. View abstract.Blood-thinning medications: clopidogrel (Plavix), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), etc. They’re made from organic compounds and there’s around 20 of them in total which all play their part in helping the body function and stay healthy. What are proteins? Research suggests that L-arginine supplements are generally safe for most people, even when taken in high doses for long periods. However, some people may experience side effects like stomach pain and diarrhea when taking more than 9 grams per day ( 1, 9).

Sildenafil can lower blood pressure. L-arginine can also lower blood pressure. There is a chance that taking sildenafil and L-arginine together might cause blood pressure to go too low. But most people seem to be fine when taking these products together. L-arginine is often known medically and scientifically by a number of different names, which include: Treating erectile dysfunction: Low levels of L-arginine may have links to erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers in a 2017 study hypothesized that this may be due, in part, to narrowed blood vessels. People often use L-arginine supplementation, sometimes with other treatments, such as sildenafil (Viagra), to treat ED. It also pumps more blood to your muscles, increasing that full look known as ‘the pump’, so it’s commonly found in pre-workout powders. Shiraseb, F., et al. (2021). The effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials [Abstract].Kashyap, V. S., et al. (2017). The LargPAD Trial: Phase IIA evaluation of l-arginine infusion in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Abdelhamed, A. I., Reis, S. E., Sane, D. C., Brosnihan, K. B., Preli, R. B., and Herrington, D. M. No effect of an L-arginine-enriched medical food (HeartBars) on endothelial function and platelet aggregation in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Am Heart J 2003;145(3):E15. View abstract. Looking to get the most out of L-Arginine through your diet? We’ve rounded up the top foods high in arginine. For reference, research shows that a typical Western diet provides between 25–30% of total arginine present in the body ( 5). L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. The body produces it naturally and it is also found in high-protein foods. In the body, l-arginine naturally synthesizes nitric oxide, primarily in the kidneys. Nitric oxide plays a huge role in vasodilation, which supports healthy circulation.